Almost three years ago I reviewed the original Weiss DAC501 and loved it so much I made it my reference DAC.

The Weiss MK2 stays refined, clean and studio like but also opens up the transparency more, lifts the energy a touch and yet has a perceived warmth and full bodied sound that makes it all come together as a whole. It’s pretty remarkable what this little DAC can do and it keeps the soul of the music intact.

As I get deep into the album I appreciate the incredible 3D soundstage. It was refreshing, positive and the sounds I heard were among the finest I have heard from any system. Music was emerging from the blackest of backgrounds, and every note, noise and instrument was heard with ease. This was an exciting listen, immersive and soul stirring.

An amp usually dictates the bass performance but no other DAC I have ever tested gave as big of a performance increase to the bass of my speakers, no matter which speakers I used. The Weiss 501 MK2 does everything very well but what it does for the bass in my system is ridiculously good. If you have been looking for a bit more oomph, a bit more punch and maybe even more resolution, the Weiss 501 MK2 may be the one you have been searching for.

The tonality of her piano is stunning and the dynamic shifts are quite incredible. We hear the inner workings of the piano, and if I close my eyes I can almost see her fingers flying over the keys. It is such a clean yet full bodied sound and the MK2 seems to be a bit more open and expansive vs the 501 MK1. It also feels a little more punchy and dynamic.

The spatial reproduction of the MK2 is now absolutely top tier, and sits with most exotic DACs I have heard that cost upwards of $20k+. The MK2 doesn’t sound like a different DAC vs the MKI. It sounds like a better and even more refined version of the MKI. I do indeed prefer the 501 MK2 to the [original] 501 version as I hear the extra bit of magic, life and expression.

If you want a DAC that will let you hear each track sound like it was meant to be heard, studio atmosphere and all, the 501 MK2 can do this in a well set up system.

For me this Weiss 501 MK2 has the performance of some of those $20k DACs but it costs thousands less. You can spend a lot more for a DAC, as well as a lot less but the Weiss sits in the sweet spot where the performance is near the top of the mountain yet costs thousands less than others that can be compared to it.

I know of no other DAC I would want to own in this price bracket. It’s really good my friends.

Steve Huff, Steve Huff Hi-Fi, December 2024